Filipino Association for Mariners' Employment, Inc.

06/08/2026

SAVE THE DATE!

The Joint Manning Group (JMG), of which FAME is a member, is conducting an Orientation on the DMW Licensing Renewal, Accreditation, and Enrollment Processes on 18 August 2026 (Tuesday), from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon, at the Ballroom, Sheraton Manila Hotel, Newport World Resorts, Pasay City. This event is in coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

This Orientation is being organized as part of JMG and FAME's continuing commitment to assist licensed manning agencies in complying with the DMW’s regulatory requirements, particularly in light of the implementation of the 2026 DMW Seabased Rules and Regulations and the Standard Employment Contract (SEC) for Seafarers and Fishers.

The activity aims to provide LMA’s with a comprehensive understanding of the current licensing renewal, accreditation and enrollment processes, including the documentary and compliance requirements necessary for the preparation of complete and accurate applications. It will likewise serve as a venue to discuss common issues encountered by manning agencies during the renewal, accreditation, and enrollment processes and to provide guidance on their proper resolution. Through this initiative, JMG supports the Department's efforts in promoting a more efficient, transparent, and consistent procedures.

An official memorandum will be issued shortly.

For inquiries, you may contact the JMG Secretariat at telephone numbers 8524-9892 / 7000-1532 or at [email protected].

31/07/2026

𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒!

𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠; 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐈𝐌𝐎 “𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭” 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬

The Philippines has once again reinforced its position as the world's premier source of competent and globally competitive seafarers after the International Maritime Organization (IMO) reaffirmed the country's continued compliance with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended.

In its latest issuance, MSC.1/Circ.1163/Rev.14 dated 6 July 2026, the IMO retained the Philippines among the Parties recognized as giving full and complete effect to the STCW Convention. The updated circular reflects the outcome of the 111th Session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 111) held from 13 to 22 May 2026.

The Philippines remains among the maritime nations whose systems for seafarer education, training, assessment, certification, and oversight comply with the STCW Convention.

MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan welcomed the development, describing it as a testament to the country's enduring commitment to excellence in maritime governance.

"The Philippines' continued inclusion in the IMO STCW 'White List' affirms the strength of our maritime education, training, certification, and quality standards. More importantly, it reflects the dedication of the entire Philippine maritime sector to ensuring that every Filipino seafarer remains globally competent, internationally compliant, and prepared to meet the evolving demands of the shipping industry," Administrator Malaluan said.

The latest confirmation comes as the Philippines continues to play an increasingly active role in shaping the future of global maritime training through its participation in the ongoing comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and the implementation of key reforms under the Republic Act No. 12021 or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.

As the world's leading supplier of maritime professionals, the Philippines remains steadfast in upholding the highest standards of excellence and contributing to a safe, efficient, and sustainable global shipping industry.

🇵🇭

27/07/2026

26/07/2026

26/07/2026

21/07/2026

𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵-𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has renewed its call for shipowners and licensed manning agencies to reroute vessels away from high-risk and warlike areas, including waters of the Black Sea, to protect Filipino seafarers.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac reported that DMW monitored an escalation of security incidents in the Black Sea, which falls under the International Bargaining Forum's High Risk/Warlike Area designation. As of July 20, 2026, nine vessels carrying Filipino seafarers had reportedly been attacked by drones while transiting or while berthed at ports in Ukraine and Russia.

“We reiterate our previous advisories on the safety and security matters where there is a high risk or warlike situation. Number one, for the shipowners to avoid or to divert all voyages in these high-risk warlike areas. And second, if and when there is a continued voyage to these high-risk war-like areas, we need to ensure that the seafarers are granted, prior to voyage, the right to refuse sailing with corresponding documentation of such exercise of the right to refuse sailing or documentation of the seafarer's consent to sailing,” said Secretary Cacdac.

The DMW Chief called for Filipino seafarers who refuse to sail to high-risk areas not to be discriminated against in future employment. They must also receive proper compensation and free repatriation to the Philippines.

The DMW continues to monitor developments in the Black Sea and coordinate with relevant agencies on possible additional measures to protect Filipino seafarers assigned to vessels operating in the area.

The agency has also contacted affected Filipino seafarers and their families and is facilitating medical treatment, psychological support, evaluations, and repatriation arrangements. # # #

Also available here: https://dmw.gov.ph/news-releases/news-release-028632

18/07/2026

READ on the Safe Passage of Philippine-Registered Vessels through the Strait Of Hormuz

Also available through https://tinyurl.com/6kfsttns

09/07/2026

In line with the issuance and implementation of the 2026 Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Seabased Rules and Regulations and the Standard Employment Contract (SEC) for Seafarers, the Joint Manning Group (JMG), of which FAME is a member, will conduct JMG Info-Series No. 01-2026 to provide a dedicated venue for the presentation and discussion of the new regulatory framework governing the employment of overseas Filipino seafarers.

With the theme, "Understanding the New Regulatory Framework for Filipino Seafarers: The 2026 DMW Seabased Rules and Regulations and the Standard Employment Contract (SEC) for Seafarers," the Info-Series will be held on 24 July 2026 (Friday), from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Ballroom, Sheraton Manila Hotel, Newport World Resorts, Pasay City. Registration opens at 8:00 a.m. This Info-Series is in coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

For registration concerns or further inquiries, please contact the JMG Secretariat at (02) 8524-9892 or (02) 7000-1532, or via email at [email protected].

07/07/2026